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This was published 7 years ago
Australian content: Crean signals fee deal for networks
THE federal government has given its strongest indication yet that it would be willing to cut commercial television licence fees permanently in exchange for a guarantee of more Australian content.
Speaking at the Screen Producers Association of Australia conference on Thursday, Arts Minister Simon Crean suggested that the 50 per cent reduction in licence fees granted by the government in 2011 could be made permanent.
But in return, the networks would be expected to increase their first-run Australian-made drama, documentary and children's programs across all their channels.
''I believe the TV networks should be stepping up more to the plate, particularly in circumstances where we've cut the licence fees and given them multi-channelling,'' Mr Crean said. The free-to-air commercial networks are required to screen an average of 55 per cent Australian content between 6am and midnight on their main channel, including sport, news and current affairs.
They are also required to meet sub-quotas governing drama, documentary and children's programs. Their digital channels are not governed by the same requirements. The association has argued for an increase of 40 hours a year in first-run Australian drama across each network's digital channels.
The government's convergence review, handed down in March, recommended an increase of 50 per cent in the sub-quotas across the digital channels and the retention of the existing requirements for the main channel.
The commercial broadcasters are believed to prefer the retention of the 55 per cent requirement on the main channel and the introduction of a 30 per cent Australian content requirement on the digital channels. That content could include news, sport, current affairs and repeats.
Mr Crean appeared to have little time for that position. ''We require local content on their main channel, we require it on subscription TV, why not the multi-channels?'' he said.
Cabinet is expected to consider its response to the convergence review next week.
Karl Quinn is a senior culture writer at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.


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Rafael Nadal slid and sprinted his way to an emotional Grand Slam victory at the French Open, defeating the man who knocked him from the tournament last year.
"Its the most emotional day in my career," Nadal said, who wept into his towel after winning the final point, the AP reported.
It was on this same red clay court one year ago that the strong-swinging Robin Soderling of Sweden handed Rafa his only French Open loss. The upset was the start of a disappointing 2009 season for Nadal plagued by injury and weighted with family problems.
Rafa, nicknamed "the King of Clay," came roaring back with a convincing performance, never losing a set in this year's tournament. He has been perfect on clay this season.
For Soderling, ranked No. 7 in the world going in to the tournament, the match was only his second appearance in a major final. The powerful right-hander started the contest serving with the same thunder that had carried him through the tournament, trying to pin the athletic Nadal to the baseline.
But as the circling thunder clouds cleared and the court dried, Rafa pushed the play into longer volleys that sapped Soderling's power advantage. Nadal was able to chase down the Swede's 143-mph serves and pushed his opponent back and forth across the court, leaving him panting.
Nadal won handily, 6-4, 6-2, and 6-4, in 2 hours and 18 minutes.
Unlike the unexpected winner of the women's tournament, there was nothing surprising about Nadal's succesful campaign. With this win, he will climb over Federer to take the No. 1 ranking.

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OT Details
You are here
This page explains how to configure T-ReCS in the Observing Tool:
- T-ReCS Component - to define 'static' configurations
- filter
- exposure time
- nod time
- saveset time
- focal plane mask
- position angle
- grating
- chop details
- T-ReCS Iterator - to sequence different instrument configurations
- Visualisation of T-ReCS chopping and nodding observations in the OT position editor
- List of iterator items
Refer to the rest of the T-ReCS pages for further details of the instrument capabilities and guidelines on how best to use the instrument.
There is a T-ReCS OT library file containing examples of typical T-ReCS observations that is available for fetching from the Observing Tool database. For more examples of T-ReCS observations in the OT refer to the T-ReCS OT Example page, which shows normal sequences for imaging and spectroscopic observations.
See also the MIR proposal and phase II checklist.
T-ReCS Component
The detailed component editor for T-ReCS is accessed in the usual manner, by selecting the T-ReCS component in your science program, and is shown below:
Selecting a filter
The filter is chosen by clicking on the pull down list (i.e. the down-pointing arrow) and selecting the desired filter. The filter names match those listed on the T-ReCS filter page.
Setting the observation time
The main fields to be set here (or in the sequence, as appropriate) are: the total on-source time, the chop angle, the chop direction, the array orientation on the sky and, for spectroscopy, the combination of the disperser and focal plane mask to be used. These are discussed in order in the next few paragraphs.
The total on-source time is what it says -- the time spent usefully integrating on the target field while carrying out any chopping or nodding of the telescope. This corresponds to the usual notion of the exposure time, although for T-ReCS the on-source integration will be made up of some large number of very short integrations to avoid saturation of the detector (see this page about chopping and nodding). The on-source time is the only "exposure time" value the PI needs to be concerned about.
The total on-source time has to be set in the T-ReCS component of the OT, and it may be defined for the individual steps of a sequence in the T-ReCS Iterator component, where it is denoted as the "timeOnSource". All times are in seconds.
The individual frame exposure time (i.e. the duration of each readout of the detector) is not set explicitly because the value for optimum sensitivity of mid-IR detectors depends on the incident flux through the filters. Hence the T-ReCS software adopts an individual exposure time based on the filter, disperser and other parameters.
In normal operation we expect that the "Observe" component will be set to "1X" for most T-ReCS observations. Even if a long observation is split into several sections, it is better if one has duplicate observation steps in a sequence rather than setting the "Observe" component to a value larger than "1X", unless there are no acquisition steps in the observation. Otherwise all the acquisition steps will also be multiple, which is not desired.
For long on-source integration times we recommend that the observation be split into several shorter observations of no more than 20 minutes on-source time. A unit value of 10 to 15 minutes on-source is better, since a 15 minute on-source observation takes of order 50 minutes real time in imaging mode and of order 60 minutes in spectroscopic mode. There is only a small overhead for writing out the files after an observation and going on to another step. By breaking down long observations this way there is less risk of the loss of a large amount of data if there is a telescope problem or other failure, or if the weather conditions change. Thus rather than requesting a single 1800 second on-source imaging observation we would strongly suggest that the observation be entered as 6 times 300 seconds using the T-ReCS Iterator to define the 6-step science exposure sequence after any acquisition steps that are needed.
It is also important to remember that a long observation is not likely to be carried out as one monolithic observation, especially for programs in bands 2 and 3, due to practical requirements of queue scheduling. A band 1 program might request that a long observation be done on a single night, but even then it cannot be required unless this is justified in the phase I proposal (such as for time-critical observations) and approved by the ITAC. Thus if one is requesting a 4-hour spectroscopic observation, for example, one has to be realistic about the chances of getting this done in one block even if the weather cooperates. Depending on the program priority and the object visibility during T-ReCS queue nights the observation might have to be done over 3 or 4 nights, with the associated overheads for more than one acquisition.
The observation sequence timeline displays the estimated total time required for each Observe command. Note that previously the timeline was inaccurate because it took the time required for the first step in a sequence and then multiplied it by the number of steps in the sequence. From 2006A onwards this should be corrected in the OT and the timeline should give a more accurate account of the sequence.
Our experience in suggests that the on-source efficiency is about 30% in imaging mode and about 24% in spectroscopy mode.
Nod time
The PI also can define the duration of a nod, called the "NOD dwell" time. The default time at each nod position is 45 seconds. The nod dwell value can be changed by the PI in the T-ReCS Iterator component. Note that shorter nod dwell times will decrease the on-source efficiency because in doing a nod the telescope has to be re-pointed and time has to be allowed for the system to settle after the nod has been completed. The time that the system waits after each nod is the "NOD Settle" time. The current best value for this parameter is 8 seconds. This also can be set in the T-ReCS Iterator component.
The number of nod pairs is calculated by the software when the observation is taken. The actual time on source for an observation will vary somewhat from the requested value (it is always larger!) depending upon internal detector settings of the mode that is being used as well as the nod dwell time. T-ReCS currently always uses an ABABAB... nod pattern.
Saveset time
Another parameter that PIs may wish to set is the "saveset time". T-ReCS is able to save the images that are being accumulated at intervals smaller than the time spent at a given nod position. In this it differs from Michelle, where there is one image for each chop position saved at each nod. For example one might spend 30 seconds at a nod position but save the images every 10 seconds, so that for each nod position there are 3 accumulated on-source and off-source images in the raw data file. This is useful if there are fast changes in the weather conditions, since the PI can then discard some images that have been compromised by bad conditions and retain "good" images. The saveset time can be set in the T-ReCS Iterator. Note that one should not have too short a saveset time with a long observation as this will cause data handling problems due to accumulating an excessive number of frames before the image is written out. Nor are short savesets useful for observing very faint targets.
Selecting a focal plane mask
Choice of one of the built-in focal plane masks is made by clicking on the pull down list. For imaging observations the "Imaging" mask -- meaning no mask at all -- is used. For spectroscopy observations the desired slit width from 0.21 to 1.3 arc-seconds can be selected. The "Imaging w/o Flexure Mask" option is not currently used. Note that any slit can be used with any grating.
If you display a view of the field with the position editor and have selected the "science area" button, then this will reflect the choice of focal plane mask (displayed as a blue box). The chop beams are also displayed (see more details about the T-ReCS position editor display, below).
Setting the position angle
The facility Cassegrain Rotator can rotate the instrument to any desired angle. The angle (in conventional astronomical notation of degrees east of north) is set by typing in the "position angle" window. The view of the science field in the position editor will reflect the selected angle. Alternatively the angle may be set or adjusted in the position editor itself by interactively rotating the science field. The orientation cannot be changed during a sequence, so this value is set in the main T-ReCS component and that value applies to the entire observation. The PA is that of the short axis of the array. The default PA of zero degrees corresponds to the long axis of the detector being oriented east-west. Chopping at 0 degrees then corresponds to chopping along the short ("y") axis of the array.
Selecting a disperser and the central wavelength
Choice of grating (for spectroscopy) or mirror (for imaging or spectroscopic acquisition) is made by clicking on the pull down lists (i.e. the down-pointing arrows) and selecting the desired item. One can choose spectroscopy in the N or Q atmospheric windows by the Low Res 10um Grating or High Res 10um Grating or Low Res 20 um Grating menu items. Note that if these are chosen the Filter should be set to be N (broad 10um) or Q (broad 20.8um) respectively. While one is able to take a spectrum with any of the other filters besides N or Q, this would be an unusual request and should be discussed with your contact scientist.
In either the low resolution N-band and low resolution Q-band spectroscopy observing modes the Grating Central Wavelength field is ignored. For the high resolution N-band spectroscopy observing mode the central wavelength must be defined. If more than one wavelength setting is needed, this can be arranged in the T-ReCS Iterator. One does not have to re-center or re-acquire when changing from low-resolution N-band to high-resolution N-band spectroscopy modes, or when changing the central wavelength in high-resolution N-band spectroscopy mode. It is a bit more efficient to do a multi-wavelength high resolution N-band spectral observation starting from long wavelengths and going to shorter wavelengths, due to details about exactly how the grating turret moves inside T-ReCS.
Setting chop angle, chop throw, and nod direction
It is important to note that guiding while chopping is only possible on one side of the chop. Thus, when observing a point source in conditions of less than ideal seeing and windshake, the guided image will be noticeably sharper than the other image.
The chop angle may be set independently of the instrument position angle (thus, for example, you can set the spectrograph slit at a specific angle and chop either along the slit or off the slit). The chop angle is defined in conventional astronomical notation of degrees east of north. The chop beams are displayed in the position editor (see more details about the T-ReCS position editor display, below). For bright targets a chop angle of 45 degrees with respect to the array is recommended, as it is for Michelle, since bright targets produce some low-level artifacts along the rows and columns.
Currently the maximum allowable chop throw is 15 arcsec. The default nod direction is beam-switching (nod parallel to and same amplitude as chop).
Saving changes
The save button accepts the latest changes and stores the program to the local database, the undo/redo button (and, transiently, the edit pencil) toggles pending and saved changes and the close button closes the science program editor (saving any changes to the local database).
T-ReCS Iterator
The T-ReCS Iterator is a member of a class of instrument iterators. Each works exactly the same way, except that different options are presented depending upon the instrument. The iteration sequence is set up by building an Iteration Table. The table columns are items over which to iterate.
The items that are available for inclusion in the iterator table are shown in the box in the upper right-hand corner of the T-ReCS Sequence Component. Selecting one of these items moves it into the table in its own column. Each cell of the table is selectable. The selected cell is highlighted green. When a cell is selected, the available options for its value are displayed in the box in the upper left-hand corner. For example, when a cell in the filter column is selected, the available filters are entered into the text box. When a cell in the exposure time column is picked, the upper left-hand corner displays a text box so that the number of seconds can be entered.
Rows or columns may be added and removed at will. Rows (iteration steps) may be rearranged using the arrow buttons.
Visualisation in the Position Editor
The Position Editor displays not only the primary science beam (Nod A Chop A, equivalent to Nod B Chop B) but also the two chop beams (Nod A Chop B and Nod B Chop A). Display of the chop beams is toggled using the Position Editor View...Display Chop Beams menu. The main beam is shown with solid light blue line, the chop beams in dashed light blue. (Click on the image for a larger view).
As an alternative to setting the chop angle and throw using the T-ReCS component described above, these parameters can be set interactively using the Position Editor in drag mode, by clicking on either of the central blue square "handles". (Note the caution given above about not changing the chop throw). As usual, you can also set the instrument position angle interactively by dragging the blue triangular handle located next to the main beam. (The chop beams rotate too, of course, although their alignment relative to the main beams is unaffected).
Using the Position Editor View...PWFS FOV Display...Display at menu you can also display the vignetting pattern of the peripheral wavefront sensors as they appear at the other chop positions. (The WFSs move too slowly to follow the chop and so remains fixed at the same x,y position in the focal plane, corresponding to a different apparent position on the sky when the secondary mirror is tilted).
List of Iterator Items
The following items are available for use in creating a T-ReCS observing sequence:
- chopAngle: the angle of the chopping, degrees E of N
- chopThrow: the size of the chop in arc-seconds, up to 15 arc-seconds
- dataMode: setting for whether the data should be saved to a file ("Save", the usual situation) or not saved; for initial acquisition steps this should be set to "Discard All"
- disperser: the grating to use, as in the T-ReCS component
- disperserLambda: spectroscopic central wavelength (highres10 mode)
- filter: which filter to use for the step
- mask: which slit to use, if any
- nodDwell: the time spent at each nod position A or B in seconds
- nodSettle: the time to wait after a nod for the telescope to recover from being moved; set to 8 seconds
- obsMode: mode of taking data--stare, chop, nod, or chop-nod; except possibly for acquisition steps it should be left as "chop-nod"
- timeOnSource: the total on-source exposure time
- timePerSaveset: the time between saving images during the observation, in seconds; while this can be set by the PI, it is not useful to have more than a small number of savesets per nod position and for most purposes the default value is sufficient.
- windowWheel: which of the T-ReCS windows is to be used; this will normally be set to "auto" and not changed by the PI


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New CPL Application
New Applicant
Application for a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) may be obtained in person from your County Clerk's Office, or online. For additional information please see the Michigan State Police website.
The applicant must be:
- At least 21 years of age
- A Citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted into the United States
- A resident of the State of Michigan for at least 6 months prior to application submission.
Michigan Firearms Laws
Individuals may view a complete copy of the firearms laws of the State of Michigan on the Michigan Legislature's website.
Training Certificate issued on or after December 1, 2015. The certificate must have everything listed below or it will be rejected:
- Name of applicant
- Date of class (must be within 5 years)
- Instructor's name, Telephone number, Certification number, if any, Signature, Expiration date of the certification of this instructor.
- Name and telephone number of the state agency or a state/national firearms training organization that has certified the individual as an instructor.
- The statement "This course complies with section 5j of 1927 PA 372"
Training Certificate issued prior to December 1, 2015. The certificate must have everything listed below or it will be rejected:
- Name of Applicant
- Date of Class (must be within 5 years)
- Printed Name and Signature of Instructor
- The statement "This course complies with section 5j of 1927 PA 372"
Filing an ApplicationThe completed application with a copy of the safety training certificate is filed with the County Clerk. Do not sign the application until directed by staff at the County Clerk's Office.
Application Fee
The application fee is $115.00 ($100.00 application fee and $15.00 fingerprint fee). Fee may be paid by cash, check, or money order.
The County Clerk's Office provides the Fingerprinting Services for Grand Traverse County Concealed Pistol License Applicants only. New Applicants can apply and be fingerprinted during the hours of 8:30 am to 11:30 am and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Approval Process
Once applicant is fingerprinted, the fingerprints and application is submitted to the Michigan State Police for approval or denial. If the application is approved, the County Clerk's Office will issue the license. The license is required by law to be mailed to the applicant's mailing address. If the application is denied, the County Clerk's Office will mail a letter indicating the statutory reason for denial.
License Expiration Dates
A license issued on/after July 1, 2006, is valid until applicant's birth date "that falls not less than 4 years or more than 5 years after the license is issued".


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Family and Community Medicine – Professional Education
Our department has a long and proud history in Family Medicine. We are responsible for the education of our College's medical students in Family Medicine, including a required third year clerkship, a required underserved medicine clerkship, and many other courses in all 4 years of the curriculum. Our student body has an award-winning Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG).
Contact us
To learn more about educational programs in Family and Community Medicine, call
Leading the way in family medicine education
Recognizing the importance of family medicine, in 1967 Penn State College of Medicine established the nation's first Department of Family and Community Medicine in an academic health center. Our department continues to lead the way in family medicine education today. We are distinguished not only by our long history, but also by the number and talent of our faculty – no family medicine department in the nation has a larger collaborating group of faculty members, and our residents work directly alongside these esteemed physicians.
Our residents learn from and are mentored by family physicians who are accomplished in the delivery of excellent patient care, global health, sports medicine, political advocacy, research, and education. Embedded within an academic medical center, our residents can access resources such as a world-class Simulation Center and electronic resources that are not readily available in smaller hospitals.
Residencies and Fellowships
Find more information about all of our residency and fellowship programs.
Family and Community Medicine Residency (Hershey, PA)
The Family and Community Medicine Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA, is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program that admits eight residents per year.
Explore Family and Community Medicine Residency – Hershey, PA
Family and Community Medicine Residency (State College, PA)
The Family and Community Medicine Residency at Mount Nittany in State College, PA, is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program that admits six residents per year.
Explore Family and Community Medicine Residency – State College, PA
Sports Medicine Fellowship (Hershey, PA)
Penn State Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship offers an intense year in sports medicine to prepare for a clinical or academic career, covering the full spectrum of sports medicine, occupational medicine, cardiac rehabilitation and fitness.
Explore Sports Medicine Fellowship – Hershey, PA
Sports Medicine Fellowship (State College, PA)
Our primary care sports medicine physicians are regional experts in the management of non-operative sports-related injuries and medical conditions. Along with providing routine medical care to athletes, they offer particular expertise in chronic endurance-related injuries and safely returning participants to sports following concussions.
Family and Community Medicine
This 4-week clerkship is largely an ambulatory care educational experience in Family Medicine residency programs and community-based practices. The goals of the clerkship are to help students to integrate basic science and clinical knowledge and to apply them to patient care, to learn skills important in Family Medicine and to experience, first hand, the practice of family physicians. Family Medicine is a specialty with emphasis in breadth rather than depth and is associated with great diversity in patients' ages and types of medical problems. Continuity, preventive medicine, evidence-based health care, and family issues are emphasized. Minor office procedures, obstetrics, women's health, sports medicine, community medicine are part of many family practices.
Family and Community Medicine Continuing Education
A variety of Family and Community Medicine continuing education programs are held throughout the year. When available, registration links will appear below.
Accelerated MD Program
In the Family Medicine Accelerated Program at Penn State (FM-APPS) — also known as the 3+3 Accelerated Program — you'll earn your MD in three years and complete a family medicine residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in three years.
A longitudinal integrated clerkship replaces the traditional block clerkship, preparing students to become patient-centered, empathetic physicians in the new healthcare environment. Up to four students per year are offered admission to the program.
The program is a member of the Consortium of Medical Schools with Accelerated Pathway Programs, funded by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation.


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New program aims to save young or sick animals
MADACC, WHS develop joint foster care program
Two animal welfare organizations are collaborating on a new program to move more pets, especially young or sick animals, into foster care before being put up for adoption.
The Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission and the Wisconsin Humane Society have teamed up for "Home Stretch," a joint foster care program designed to save more stray animals in Milwaukee County.
"We are excited to partner with the Wisconsin Humane Society in an effort to save more of Milwaukee's stray animals, especially as our busiest season approaches," said Karen Sparapani, MADACC executive director.
Unclaimed strays at MADACC that are too young or too ill to be put up for adoption immediately will now be transferred to volunteer foster homes to recuperate. Once they are healthy, they will be placed in the adoption program at Wisconsin Humane Society.
MADACC already transfers thousands of animals to WHS and other rescue organizations every year. But animals that are sick pose special challenges, due to stress and the risk of illness spreading to other pets in the shelter.
"This program will allow sick animals to get well in foster homes before entering our adoption program, keeping WHS animals healthy and freeing up space at both MADACC and WHS to accommodate more animals," said Anne Reed, WHS executive director.
The success of the program will depend on how many people in the community are willing to become foster parents for needy animals, Sparapani said. The Home Stretch program is now accepting volunteer foster applications. Applications are available online at the MADACC and WHS websites.
People who can't foster can still help by making donations of pet food and non-clumping cat litter. They can also make donations online.


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Case Number: 5-107-001(B), Year Published: 2007
HBS Number: KEL286
Crisis Management, Reputation Management, CEO Decision-making
After the company's first aviation fatality, Southwest Airlines' CEO is faced with new and difficulty decisions. The alacrity and compassion that characterized the company's response serves as a paradigm for any organization facing a future crisis situation.
Taken together, the cases address the following teaching objectives:
Return to Search Results


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About Us
PJSC Mostotrest is the first integrated diversified infrastructure holding in Russia and the largest building company in the Russian Federation by revenue for works conducted in-house, according to independent industry consultant EMBS Group.
The company specialises in the construction and overhaul of road, rail and city bridges and highways, as well as other engineering constructions; providing services in maintenance, repair and toll-based operation; investing in infrastructure projects.
The Company was founded in 1930 under the name of the All-Soviet Trust for the construction of extra large bridges «Mostotrest». To date the company has completed over 7,700 bridges, foot bridges, tunnels and complex transport interchanges.
Some of the more recent landmark projects include Zhivopisny bridge over the Moscow River in Serebriany Bor, a cable-stayed bridge over the Oka river near Murom, Pulkovo traffic interchange and and Bolshoi Obukhovskiy bridge over Neva River in St. Petersburg, sections of M-4 "Don" (Voronezh Bypass, Novaya Usman and Rogachevka Bypass), sections of M-11 "Moscow – St. Petersburg" (Vyshniy Volochek Bypass, km 15 - km 58 section), Businovskaya traffic interchange, among others.
The effective implementation of its business strategy, extensive track record and strong reputation as a reliable and experienced contractor in the infrastructure construction sector have allowed the Company to increase the amount of completed work and strengthen its position as a general contractor.
Mostotrest employs over 30,000 personnel and operates through fifteen branches and five subsidiaries (including the recently acquired entities).
Possession of 84% stake in LLC Transstroymekhanisatsiya and a non-controlling equity interest in OJSC Mostostroy-11 significantly strengthened Mostotrest's position in construction of highways, railways, airports and ports segments, and also expanded its presence in major Russian regions such as the Urals, the Siberian and the Far Eastern Federal Districts.
Acquisition of 60% stake in Mostotrest-Service, creation of a joint venture between Mostotrest-Service and Autobahn, a Russian-German joint venture and Mostotrest/Vinci joint participation in United Toll Systems were parts of Mostotrest's strategy for expanding and strengthening its business in related business segments, including toll road operation.
Mostotrest is a Member of the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering — IABSE and the European Federation of Foundation Contractors — EFFC.
(a) Mostotrest holds a 100% stake in Plexy Ltd., which owns 50% stake in "North-West Concession Company".
Awards of the Company
|Lenin's award
|Award of the Labour Red Banner


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There used to be a time when Mischa Barton could have pulled this off. Picture Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, even Leighton Meester. It doesn't have so much to do with what Mischa looks like now but with WHO she is now. She's not much anymore. No show, no jobs, no homes, no prospects, and therefore no steeze...
And she's only 24. Imagine being over at 24???
Mischa is currently in London. There's a new boy called Ali. He's a DJ. So she's living with him on the club scene. They were spotted at a music festival the other day and supposedly kept going together to the loo. Yeah so a lot has changed.
There comes a point for certain girls in their lives when their best prospect is to become a Kept Woman. This is Mischa's future.
Photos from PacificCoastNews.com


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I finally installed the latest windows updates today for win7 x64 (except for the SP1 update) and now I can't connect to that machine.
When I try to connect to that machine from my win2k machine I get an error saying "the server running as application".
I'm using the MS logon method and none of the security plugins. The mslogon.log just says it received a connection, but nothing after that.
I took a look through the event viewer and the only thing that stands out to me is an application crash in ultravnc due to an issue with samcli.dll.
Any ideas?


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Advanced Search
Parking Operations | News
Montclair State University is partnering with CASE Parking and Streetline to provide campus parking garage occupancy and guidance information for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
The smart parking technology will stream continuous, real-time counts of available parking at CarParc Diem, the university's 7.5-story, 1,532-car capacity parking structure, and will provide parking data and information for surrounding lots. Streetline's Parker smartphone app and ParkerMap web widget will inform drivers how many parking spaces are presently unoccupied and where the parking structure is located, as well as provide turn-by-turn directional guidance to the facility.
In addition, a customized web-based dashboard will provide university administrators with analytics on parking permit oversell ratios, helping help balance event and student parking occupancy.
"As CarParc Diem accommodates more than 1,500 cars, having technology to identify and navigate to available spaces makes campus parking significantly faster, easier and more enjoyable," said Ben Omuya, Montclair State's director of parking services, in a press release. "We absolutely look forward to rolling out this solution for the rest of the campus in the near future."
About the Author
About the author: Rhea Kelly is executive editor for Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].
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There Will be No Catastrophe for the World – Part 2/2
(Continued from Part 1)
In this instalment, I'd like to look at two planetary threats – nuclear war and celestial collision. Both promise the end of the world but the galactic and spirit teachers say neither is going to happen. Let's start with the man-made threat.
No Nuclear War
When war is discussed, the three most likely countries we'd fight are Iran, Russia, and China. Matthew denies that a war will break out with any of the three: "There will be no war with Iran. … Russia will not engage in a major war and neither will China." (1)
Our sources categorically deny that nuclear weapons can be exploded any longer on the planet, above it, below it, etc. For instance, SaLuSa told us this year:
"As we have often informed you, we will not allow nuclear weapons to be used. The time is approaching when peace will be declared, and all types of armaments will be banned. Furthermore we will also monitor Earth and prevent any attempts to falsely start wars of whatever nature." (2)
"We of the Galactic Federation are still surrounding your Earth, and nothing that happens escapes our notice. We are particularly aware of the attempts to place weaponry in Space, and it has been planned and attempted for quite some time. We have foiled such attempts and have warned your military and government representatives that it will not be allowed.
"Even so, we can neutralize any nuclear weapons wherever they are, and it is pointless in attempts being made to deceive us." (3)
SaLuSa's colleague, Atmos of Sirius, gave this assurance several years ago:
"We can tell you that regardless of what threats are perceived, you will not be involved in a nuclear exchange or war. Your governments are aware of this edict from us, but still use such threats against each other.
"Nuclear weapons are an abomination that is so destructive, even to the point of damaging the souls of those in their path. Fortunately, in the past where you have let off nuclear devices, we have placed a protective shield around your Earth to prevent damage to the outer planets, and life forces in Space. Do you still wonder why Man is considered such a danger to other forms of life?" (4)
Ker-On reminded us in 2008 that the cabal can only operate within limits: "The line has been drawn against certain activities that would endanger life on and beyond your Earth, and [the dark] are therefore curtailed in what they can do." (5)
Three months ago, SaLuSa told us that "the Galactic Federation is … keeping a firm watch on the military bases, so as to ensure that they do not interfere with the process of change."
"They too like all of the armed forces will become converted to serve peaceful purposes. War has absolutely no place in the future, and for that reason there will be no need for defensive employment. Keep these things in mind when you are thrown into the midst of turmoil, as it will help you through such periods." (6)
We are now in the midst of the turmoil that SaLuSa described and it's important to remember what the Company of heaven have said.
We can expect that all weapons will be destroyed, SaLuSa informed us in the Spring of last year. He tells us that the galactics have offered to establish peace on Earth a number of times and their offer has been turned down.
"You will soon have to dismantle all weapons of war, and in fact once true peace has been achieved it will not be disputed or ignored. If it were it would be to no avail, as there is nothing that can be hidden from our sight however well concealed it may be.
"Many times in the past your governments have been warned of the dangers to Mankind, through the use of nuclear devices. Their response has been exactly the same as when we offered to help achieve peace on Earth. Each time our offers have been rejected on the orders of the Illuminati, who have instead preferred to push forward with their own agenda for self-empowerment." (7)
The galactics have no fear of our weapons. SaLuSa says: "Technologically we are far superior to your dark forces, and although they have developed weapons of mass destruction we can safely handle them." (8)
Despite the posturing and saber-rattling we see around us, Matthew tells us that no nation has the will to start a war.
"Saner minds know there is no troop power, no war-machine equipment, and, most important, no will among nations for a conquest that could escalate to incalculable loss of life or even planetary destruction.
"Furthermore, even if such a conquest is the intent of a few desperate dark minds, you who have read my messages and those from other knowledgeable off-planet sources know that the technology of our space family will once again successfully prevent such action if it is attempted." (9)
We've had numerous demonstrations that nuclear explosions have been curtailed on the planet. Recently the Hastings Panel offered a press conference to discuss spaceship incursion over nuclear missile sites in the United States and Great Britain and the rendering of missiles inoperable. But more recently, Cdr. Hatonn told us that nuclear missiles launched off the coast of the United States were neutralized. In the course of his remarks, he also assured us that war will not be allowed.
"The missiles were incapacitated — we're taking NO chances with anything leaving the surface. The missiles are US-based, but in some cases the troops are specialty forces under Illuminati commanders.
"No government [that is, in contradistinction to the Illuminati] with military might is willing to initiate an 'incident' in this global economic climate and their people's growing unrest, and any show of power is by order of the Illuminati to their 'shadow' force.
"I can tell you, [the cabal] are frustrated beyond imagining because no nuclear warheads check out to be viable and none of the missiles achieves its objective." (10)
Based on what our sources say, I don't believe we have a need to worry about a war with nations like Iran, Russia, or China or any form of nuclear conflict. SaLuSa assures us: "You are … perfectly safe and guaranteed to see out the last two years of this cycle, without any major incident. It really is time that the dark Ones admitted that their plans have been foiled, and allowed you to fully focus on your Ascension." (11)
Thus, added to the galactics' reassurance that the planet will not explode due to Earth changes or its population be enslaved by the dark forces, we can add their guarantee that no form of nuclear conflict will ever again be part of Earth's history.
No Planetary Destruction or Evacuation
The next fear that many terrestrials have is that some form of celestial wanderer will collide with the earth in an extinction-level event. But Matthew tells us this too will not happen.
"No 'Planet X' or any large celestial body is on a collision course with Earth." (12)
"No asteroids or comets are being aimed at Earth by powerful malevolent aliens. Even if this were the case, you are surrounded by thousands of spaceships and millions of light beings with the technology to steer away any celestial body that could collide with your planet. Another rumor to create fear, that Planet X is on a collision course with Earth, also is a falsehood. (13)
Most of us know channels that say that we'll leave the Earth's surface in an event called "stasis." That scenario holds that we will either board spaceships and remain there or be taken to the Inner Earth. But Matthew and SaLuSa deny that stasis will happen. This is one important area where we differ from others.
Matthew discussed "stasis" by name in 2009 and added a comment on the notion being discussed at that time that three days of darkness could be expected.
"I have been asked about stasis and three days of darkness on the planet. By its very definition—a stoppage or cessation or stillness—stasis cannot occur because the universe is in constant motion, a balancing act if you will, and nothing in the universe can remain still while all the rest within that unfathomable vastness is in motion. As for three days of darkness, from this vantage point, that could happen only if the sun suddenly leaves your solar system or some gargantuan celestial body positions itself so as to block the sun's light from reaching Earth." (14)
On other occasions, Matthew explained: "There will be no need for your space family to evacuate all peoples." (15) He elaborated:
"Some messages claim that spacecraft will evacuate Earth's residents before the cleansing destroys much of the planet, and when the people are returned, they will have to live underground because the surface will be uninhabitable for many years. Evacuation will not be necessary for any reason, and far from Earth's surface becoming uninhabitable, it will be restored to its original paradise with amazing speed." (16)
"While we cannot tell you that no lives will be lost [from Earth changes] and no damage will result, with absolute certainty we say that reports about spacecraft carrying out mass evacuation of the peoples are false—it will not be necessary!
"Another example of false information is that survivors of massive planetary destruction will have to live underground because the surface will be uninhabitable for a very long time. How totally contrary to the reality: Earth's health is being restored and her once pristine beauty will be as well, and far more rapidly than you can imagine!" (17)
SaLuSa also denies that stasis will be needed.
"We of the Galactic Federation can readily provide for your needs, and have been ready to do so for quite some time. Our ships are massive in size, and some Mother Ships are measured in several hundred miles, so you can see that we can carry immense quantities of materials and equipment. There is no immediate problem on Earth that we cannot deal with quite promptly and efficiently.
"We shall make people independent and self sufficient, which means that they will not need to be taken out of their natural environment." (18)
So, in this instalment, we've seen that the people of Earth need not fear nuclear war or cosmic collision. On the contrary, SaLuSa tells us, "the plan is for a happy ending to this cycle." (19)
(1) Matthew's Message, Sept. 24, 2008, at http://www.matthewbooks.com/mattsmessage.htm
(2) SaLuSa, July 26, 2010, at http://www.treeofthegoldenlight.com/First_Contact/Channeled_Messages_by_Mike_Quinsey.htm
(3) SaLuSa, Jan. 5, 2011.
(4) Atmos, Dec. 17, 2008, at http://www.treeofthegoldenlight.com/First_Contact/Channeled_Messages_by_Mike_Quinsey.htm
(5) Ker-On of Venus, Oct. 22, 2008, at http://www.treeofthegoldenlight.com/First_Contact/Channeled_Messages_by_Mike_Quinsey.htm
(6) SaLuSa, Oct. 4, 2010.
(7) SaLuSa, May 21, 2010.
(8) SaLuSa, March 17, 2010.
(9) Matthew's Message, July 4, 2008.
(10) Hatonn, "Galactics Neutralized the Missiles, Obama Knows about Protection and Ascension," Nov. 15, 2010, at http://tinyurl.com/28nexyd.
(11) SaLuSa, Jan. 5, 2011.
(12) Matthew's Message, Sept. 24, 2008.
(13) Matthew's Message, Feb. 14, 2010.
(14) Matthew's Message, Sept. 24, 2008.
(15) Matthew's Message, Feb. 7, 2009.
(16) Matthew Ward, Sept. 21, 2009.
(17) Matthew's Message, July 18, 2009.
(18) SaLuSa, Feb. 23, 2009.
(19) SaLuSa, Jan. 22, 2010.
(Continued in Part 3)


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The AGA will hold simultaneous men's and women's selection tournaments to fill two U.S. slots at the 2012 SportAccord World Mind Games in Beijing, China, from December 12-20. The two selected players – one male and one female — will each compete in the Men's and Women's Individual tournaments, and then together as a pair in the Mixed Doubles competition. The sponsors of the tournament will provide travel and accommodation for the players, as well as generous prize money depending upon performance in the tournament.
Each selection tournament will be a 3-round knockout tournament. The rounds are on August 29 – September 1, September 2-4, and September 5-8. The men's tournament will consist of the six highest-rated players from the US, and two players from Canada. All players must be 7D+ or professional. The women's tournament will consist of the six highest-ranted players from the US, and two players from Canada. All players must be 4D+ or professional.
In order to compete, players must be citizens of either theUS orCanada, and have been resident in their country of citizenship for at least 6 of the last 12 months. AGA players must have been full or youth continuous members since August 29, 2011. The two selected players will play under theUS flag and colors. The selected players must be able to travel to China and participate in the tournaments from December 12 to 20.
Players may reschedule with mutual consent within those time windows, otherwise they must play at the official game times on KGS in the AGA Tournaments Room: 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on August 30(Thur), September 3(Mon), and September 6(Thur). If the players do reschedule their games within these windows, they must inform the TD immediately of their scheduled time of play.
To register, please click here. Registration for these selection tournaments closes at midnight on Monday, August 27.


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A Hoptimist made out of wood – just as the designer Gustav Ehrenreich initially wanted it. This is the reason why Lotte Steffensen re-designed the Woody Bumble.
Ehrenreich, the one that created the Hoptimists in the 1960s, was a trained carpenter. It was his greatest desire to manufacture the Hoptimists out of wood, but this wasn't really possible with the time's technology. Time however, worked for the development: in order to make Ehrenreich's dream come true, there are the happy Bimbles & Bumbles out of wood today, Bimble is the charming girl out of the series and she smiles mischievously. Its male pendant is Bumble, the one with the wakeful eyes who delights and looks clever.
It is about a piece of real handcraft, a high quality product that has completely been constructed by hand. The oak wood comes from sustainably renewable European forests. The natural material offers its unmistakable appearance to every single Hoptimist. One special detail: The eyes are made out of inland Wengé wood and they offer vivacity to the figure.


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Hackers have accessed confidential information for nearly 300,000 students and employees of Northwest Florida State College
Computer hackers have accessed the confidential information of nearly 300,000 students from across the state as well as faculty and employees at a Florida Panhandle college in an extensive security breach, education officials said Wednesday. They have used the information to steal the identity of at least 50 people, including Northwest Florida State College's president, authorities said.
A problem that at first involved employees at the college was much larger than suspected and now potentially involves student records from across the state, college and state officials said.
The Department of Education said hackers stole 200,000 records including names, Social Security numbers, birthdates, ethnicity and gender for any student statewide who was eligible for Florida's popular Bright Futures scholarships for the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years.
"We speculate this was a professional, coordinated attack by one or more hackers," said Northwest Florida State College President Ty Handy in a memo that went out to employees.
Cristie Kedroski, the college vice president for university advancement, said it is standard practice for financial aid administrators to download the entire state scholarship file. She said administrators use the file when cross-checking information of students attending the school because students in Florida can be very "transient."
The hackers also stole more than 3,000 employee records, including some that contained confidential financial information such as direct deposit account numbers. Some 76,000 records containing personal identification information from current and former students at Northwest Florida State College was also hacked.
"We want to be sure that we fully understand the situation and provide accurate information to those impacted," said Florida College System Chancellor Randy Hanna in a statement. "While some of the contact information is dated, we will be trying to reach every student whose records may have been captured."
Because of the scope of the breach that occurred between late May and late September, federal authorities have joined the local and state investigation that got under way last week, said the school. The main 264-acre campus is located in Niceville, a small town near Eglin Air Force Base. The seven campuses include about 17,000 students.
Handy in his memo stated that the hackers did not get all the information from one file, but instead they were able to piece together enough data to steal identities of at least 50 employees including his.
The information has been used to either obtain loans that rely on being able to debit a personal bank account or to take out a Home Depot credit card.
"I recognize that this is a significant hassle for those whose information is used to commit identity theft," stated Handy. "I was one of the first seven or eight to be hit personally and I have spent several hours on the phone working with my bank and others to protect myself. It is not an enjoyable experience and for that I apologize."


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Celebrate Presidents' Day!
"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
~The United States Presidential Oath of Office
On Presidents Day, America honors all who've presided over "The Highest Office in the Land." Formerly known as Washington's Birthday, this federal holiday took a few turns toward recognizing all Commanders-in-Chief as it's celebrated every third Monday in February.
Beginning with the observance of George Washington's birthday on February 22 in 1879, the holiday was limited to the District of Columbia, but broadened to include the rest of the country by 1885. Nearly a century later, Congress sought to realign the dates of several federal holidays to select Mondays with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in the late 1960s. It received mixed reception, as some felt it weakened each holiday's meaning, while others offered their full-fledged support, particularly from the private sector and labor unions.
Senator Robert McClory of Illinois proposed renaming the holiday Presidents' Day, but
it faced considerable opposition from Washington's home state. Even after becoming
an official holiday, Washington's Birthday continued to be referred to by many as Presidents' Day.
With the holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February instead of the 22nd of the month, some believed it was an attempt to recognize both Washington and Lincoln as it landed between their birthdays. Still, many members of Congress objected to a name encompassing all presidents but the world of retail saw things differently.
With the holiday now creating a 3-day weekend, stores now saw opportunity for winter sales, and advertisers jumped on the bandwagon with "Presidents' Day Sale" notices. Nevertheless, Congress still recognizes it as Washington's Birthday, and lists it as such.
1) On June 6, 1892, this 23rd President, was the first to attend a baseball game
(Cincinnati Reds vs.Washington Senators)
2) The first President born after the signing of the Declaration of Independence was ________________.
3) Who was the only President to ever appear on "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In."
4) The only President to remain a bachelor was _________________.
5) Which five Presidents were never elected, but assumed the office of President?
1) Benjamin Harrison; 2) Martin Van Buren; 3) Richard Nixon; 4) James Buchanan
5) Chester Arthur, Millard Fillmore, Gerald Ford, Warren Harding, William Taft


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Lately, it seems you don't have to be anywhere near a garden to stop and smell the roses.
Smell is the latest way that businesses are attempting to woo customers, whether it be the scented candles at Hampden shop In Watermelon Sugar, the vanilla and cloves wafting through the air at Williams-Sonoma, or the pungent smell of colognes at trendy clothing chains.
Technology to spread the scents have become more elaborate and includes a device that pumps fragrances through ventilation systems. And it's all in an effort to create scent branding that helps to attract and keep customers.
It worked on Tracy Spence, a nurse anesthetist from Evergreen, who was shopping recently at In Watermelon Sugar for a birthday gift for her child's nanny when she became sidetracked. "It smells so good in here!" she exclaimed.
Spence immediately switched directions and began looking for the source. "It smells a little woodsy and like a seaside cottage — fresh and clean, It smells really good. Oh, and there are floral notes. What is that?" Spence asked saleswoman Tea Erbe.
Erbe is used to customers frequently commenting on the pleasant smell of the home goods store. Leslie Stevenson, owner of In Watermelon Sugar, has been burning Votivo brand candles for the past 10 years because of their long-lasting and alluring aroma. The candles, which cost $26, burn about 50 hours.
Stevenson switches scents depending on the season. During the holidays, she used the spruce-and-rosemary Joie de Noel scent. The rest of the winter months, she alternates between Moroccan figs, amberwood and teak. During the summer months, she burns honeysuckle, red currant, island grapefruit and deep clover.
"I try not to go overboard," Stevenson said about the intensity of the candles. "Most people do enjoy having a store that smells good. It helps get people in the mood. It sets the tone."
ScentAir Technologies Inc, a company based in Charlotte, N.C., that specializes in devices that deliver scents in businesses, including several in Baltimore, is experiencing what it calls a "golden age" in scent branding. Their client list includes Ashley Furniture, Jimmy Choo, Bloomingdale's, Lexus, Hugo Boss and some major hotel chains.
"Nobody ever asks you to stop and hear the roses. There's a reason for that; what we provide helps our clients more deeply connect with their customers by utilizing the power of scent," said Ed Burke, director of marketing at ScentAir.
Services typically start at about $100 per month and can increase, depending on factors such as the amount of fragrance needed for a space and the number of locations where the fragrance is used.
Choosing the right fragrance for a business is more than just picking a smell its owner might like.
"The color, decor, the overall aesthetic plays a role," Burke said, adding that subtlety is key. "Too much of any good thing is too much."
He said some companies overpower customers, bombarding them with scents. "That is not the way to successfully deliver fragrance in that environment," Burke said.
While he doesn't agree with the delivery, he understands the intent. The demographic for those companies' customers "is ages 12-24. They like much, much heavier stimulation — strong fragrance and loud music. It's very dramatic," he said. "But it turns off a huge customer base."
Hotels, which have been using scent branding for the better part of the past decade, typically get it right, according to Burke.
"Now, just about every hotel chain has a signature program," Burke said. "There is a real critical mass." Westin Hotels even has its own signature fragrance, White Tea.
At Hotel Monaco in downtown Baltimore, guests are treated to the Kimpton scent — created, like Westin's, by the hotel chain. The fragrance is described as soft citrus notes that give way to green tea, the spiciness of black pepper and cloves wrapped in a blanket of musk.
"I notice the citrus," said Ben Timashenka, general manager of Hotel Monaco. "The citrus and green tea comes through to me."
At Hotel Monaco, "air machines" are located outside the guest elevators and near the main lobby area.
"It's part of the arrival experience," Timashenka said. "It's pleasant when you walk off the elevator. We don't want to overwhelm our guests — there's just a hint."
When Daniel Wylie opened his menswear boutique last year, he wanted shoppers to have a complete experience. He intended to make Sixteen Tons an inviting space where customers felt comfortable while shopping. That meant appealing to their senses.
The store smells like a combination of tobacco and cedar, with slight hints of amber and honey. To get the scent, Wylie uses the same brand of candles as In Watermelon Sugar.
In fact, that's where he restocks his supply.


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I Fell for a Shameless Hussy
Our hunt for great-tasting affordable wine.
It appeared obnoxiously, flamboyantly, a flashy watermelon-red standing out sorely in a lineup of otherwise demure, gentle salmon hues—like that brazen temptress who dares to wear red at an elegant afternoon wedding.
I sat with a group of wine professionals, tasting a lineup of rosé wines blind, and we balked at the scarlet letter. "You've got to wonder what they were thinking when they made this," a fellow taster chided.
In general rosé wines are made one of three ways. The first is by blending a little red in with white juice. The second, more common method, lets red grape skins sit for just a brief period of time on the freshly pressed juice (which, even in red grapes, is usually white), leaching red skin-color into the juice before straining the skins away. The longer the juice sits on the skins, the more pink (or, ultimately, red) it gets. Leave it for many days, and you'll have full-blown red wine. The third method is called "saignée" and drains away a little of that pinkish juice into a bonus rosé wine, so that the ratio of skins to juice is higher in the red wine you're making, giving it more oomph in the form of color and tannins.
Whichever method this little red devil employed, it went long. The color was nearly as concentrated as a red wine, almost glowing fluorescent red. I confess, I found it rather beautiful, if not shocking.
We tasted through the flight, each wine showing off varying shades of elegance and restraint, some softly peachy, others more cherry-imbued or definitively minerally and saline. Then came the black—er, red—sheep. The scent wasn't loud at all, more perfectly ripe strawberries with a pretty cranberry undercurrent. I took a sip, expecting a saccharine dose of something that may as well be Kool-Aid.
My eyebrows shot up. I glanced around at the other tasters, stealthily...did they show any indications of the same surprise pleasure I was experiencing? The strawberry and cranberry flavors were succulent and satisfying. They highlighted a refreshing swoosh of acid that made my mouth water like it was hit with a squeeze of lime. Then, just enough of a tannic grip dried out my mouth before a sour watermelon finish brought the curtain down. I scribbled a tasting note: "Huh?! Freaking delicious! Want. More."
And I certainly wasn't alone. The others, too, were surprised once they tasted it: perfectly refreshing, quite delicious thanks to the full fruit and great acidity. It was nothing serious, but damn if it wouldn't be delicious on a sunny day in the park or a warm evening with barbecued chicken. "I love it. I want to buy multiple bottles of it," I declared confidently. "We're probably going to reveal it, and it's going to be something ridiculous, and I'm going to be ashamed."
The tasting moved on, we finished the flights, and the bottles were finally revealed. I quickly scanned over to Wine Number 12, that scarlet letter:
2012 Shameless Hussy from Hard Row to Hoe, Columbia Valley, Washington
Shameless Hussy!!!
Pretty sure my face turned the color of the wine. But hey, man. You can't eat your own words. Blind tasting doesn't lie. I'll own it. I fell for a Shameless Hussy. And I'll buy multiple bottles of it. Shamelessly.
2012 Hard Row to Hoe Shameless Hussy
The Grape: Primitivo and Syrah
The Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Retail Price: $18
About the Author: Stevie Stacionis is a wine writer and Certified Sommelier based in San Francisco. She's currently drinking her way through the 1,368 varieties included in the new Wine Grapes tome. Follow her on Twitter @StevieStacionis and check out her snobbery-free wine videos at A Drinks With Friends TV.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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WEC World Energy Scenarios report highlights massive challenges to achieving harmony in the energy system
Source: worldenergy.org
World Energy Congress, Daegu, Korea, 14 October 2013: The world is set to face several significant challenges in balancing global energy needs in addressing the energy trilemma over the next four decades, according to the report, "World Energy Scenarios: Composing energy futures to 2050", released today by the World Energy Council at its triennial event, the 2013 World Energy Congress, in Daegu, Korea.
Total primary energy supply is set to increase to 2050 by between 61% and 27%, with fossil fuels remaining the dominant energy source supplying between 77% and 59% of the global primary energy mix.
The report's conclusions follow a three-year study conducted by over 60 experts from nearly 30 countries, with modelling provided by the Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland's largest research centre for natural and engineering sciences. The report assesses two contrasting policy scenarios, the more consumer-driven Jazz scenario and the more voter-driven Symphony scenario, with a key differentiator being the ability of countries to pass through the Doha Climate Gateway. The WEC scenarios use an explorative approach to assess what is actually happening in the world now, to help gauge what will happen in the future and the real impact of today's choices on tomorrow's energy landscape.
Rob Whitney, the New Zealand based Chair of the World Energy Scenarios report, said: "We have been able to bring together an unparalleled team to work on these unique explorative scenarios. Rather than telling policymakers and senior energy leaders what to do in order to achieve a specific policy goal, the WEC's World Energy Scenarios will allow them to test the key assumptions that they decide to better shape the energy of tomorrow. That's why these findings are so powerful."
Under Jazz, total primary energy supply could increase by 61% by 2050, while under Symphony these supplies could rise by only 27%, thus highlighting the impact that choosing one policy solutions or the other can have on the energy sector.
While the share of renewable energy sources in the global energy mix will record the biggest growth to reach 20%in Jazz and 30%in Symphony by 2050, both scenarios show that fossil fuels will remain the dominant resource in the future, accounting for 77% in Jazz and 59% in Symphony.
Transport fuels almost double in Jazz with much of the increase coming from conventional fuels and a switch to natural gas. In Symphony the increase is only 20% with most of the increase being biofuels and electricity.
By 2050, the use of solar for electricity generation is set to increase by up to 225 times over 2010 levels. Currently solar power only accounts for just over 34 TWh/y in the electricity generation mix, but it could provide somewhere between 2,980 TWh and 7,740 TWh in 2050. This equates to between US$2,950 billion and US$9,660 billion of investment in solar, representing the largest potential investment area of any renewable energy resource.
In order to cater to the rising electricity needs generated by economic development to 2050, the WEC estimates that the world will need to invest from US$19 trillion in Jazz to over US$25 trillion in Symphony for electricity generation alone, with the majority of investments required being directed towards solar PV, hydro and wind. Overall, global electricity generation capacity could increase by a slightly higher amount in Jazz than in Symphony, but in Jazz there would be much less investment in renewable electricity generation.
Karl Rose, Senior Director, Policies and Scenarios at the World Energy Council, said: "While there will be opportunities in the future for a range of technology solutions, the ultimate issue is that demand continues to grow at an unsustainable rate. One of the most significant findings in the report is the strong regional variation of priorities and solutions in the energy system. Too often we look at the world as one entity and seek global solutions but the reality is very different and this needs to be recognised."
While both scenarios see a significant increase in energy access, the rate of increase will remain insufficient. Globally, between 730 million and 880 million people will still be without access to electricity in 2030, predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa, and this figure would only decrease to 319 million and 530 million people in 2050, according to the report.
The African continent will face the biggest electrification challenge. Asia will account for the largest percentage of total primary energy consumption by 2050, at 48% under Jazz and 45% under Symphony. This compares to around 30% in both Jazz and Symphony for Europe and North America and underlines the major differences that regional priorities will take in building sustainable energy futures.
In terms of curbing CO2 emissions, the Symphony scenario sees the world being able to decrease CO2 emissions to 490-535 parts per million (ppm) by 2050. In contrast, the Jazz scenario will see emissions reach 590-710 ppm over the same period. Both emissions levels are in excess of the 450 ppm CO2target adopted by many. A significant reduction of CO2 emissions is possible after 2020 in the Symphony scenario; however, it still leaves the emissions almost at double the amount with regards to the objective of halving emissions compared to 1990 levels.
The WEC further sees that at worst, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could be up to four times higher than the objective of halving emissions compared to 1990 levels.
Christoph Frei, Secretary General of the World Energy Council, concluded: "At a time of unprecedented uncertainty these Scenarios provide a stark warning to our energy future. Jazz and Symphony highlight the need for clear and robust policy frameworks that reduce political risk, the need for urgent focus in technology development and demonstration in electricity storage and CCS, and the need to manage our carbon budget and minimise our water footprint. Our findings challenge our understanding of and current ability to deliver the resilient infrastructure that we need to face the changes we expect to occur over the coming decades."
At the World Energy Congress the World Energy Council has also confirmed that Ged Davis, President and CEO of Forescene, will succeed Rob Whitney who has served as Executive Chair of the World Energy Scenarios since the last World Energy Congress. Davis will oversee the next phase of the study as the WEC rolls out its open-source Scenarios project and will guide a range of deep-dive assessments.
The full findings of the "World Energy Scenarios: Composing energy futures to 2050" study are made available free of charge via the World Energy Council's website www.worldenergy.org/publications.


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Step into life of an 18th century coachman in this historic apartment, set in House of Dun's original stable block. Built to accommodate the grooms who would have kept the Laird's horses in shining condition, the apartment is stylishly furnished and lies off a picturesque sandstone courtyard. Our visitor feedback on the apartment consistently praises the location and tranquillity of the property.
Within the grounds there is an abundance of walks from a simple walk around the main property to a more adventurous step out, to the top of the estate through our "Den of Dun", we also have a children's play area and if you decide to take a complimentary tour of the house a fairy hunt to entertain the children during the tour.
Earlier this year we installed WIFI to our holiday accommodation.
North Stables makes an ideal base from which to explore Montrose and the surrounding area. If you require additional accommodation, South Stables, in the same block can be booked, sleeping 4.
- First floor - access is via an external staircase (approximately 18 steps)
- Sleeps 4 - 2 twins (the second twin is down 5 stairs)
- Large fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine
- Sitting/dining room
- Newly refurbished shower room (down 5 stairs)
- Gas central heating
- Free parking available in nearby public car park
- EPC Rating: E49
Public transport accessible. Holiday guests also have full access to the House's formal gardens and grounds throughout their stay.
About House of Dun
This beautiful Georgian house was built in the 18th century for David Erskine, a judge of the Scottish Court of Session, House of Dun is just 3 miles from Montrose and its picturesque unspoilt beaches and around 45 minutes' drive from Aberdeen.
The house sits in its own formal gardens with parkland and woodland beyond. You can explore and enjoy the Victorian walled garden and wooden den, before venturing further afield to the Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve. This elegant home has a truly spectacular setting.
As an added bonus and included in your holiday we offer a free tour of the property during opening hours.
Things to do
The coastal town of Montrose which is three miles from House of Dun boasts an attractive town centre and a wide sandy beach.
Montrose is a great little town to visit, with a pleasant old centre and an interesting museum and art gallery.
You will be able to see the town, and the basin from The House of Dun. The town sits on the edge of a virtually landlocked two-mile-square lagoon of mud known as the Basin, which is a nature reserve and haven for wildfowl and wading birds who love its mud.
If you like bird watching there is an NTS path to a shell duck hide on the Dun side of the basin.
On the south side of the Basin, a mile out of Montrose along the A92, the Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre has binoculars, high-powered telescopes, bird hides and remote control video cameras. Near the town is some fabulous seashore. The beach road, Marine Avenue, across from the town museum, heads down through sand dunes and golf links to car parks fringing the fine, wide beach overlooked by a slender white lighthouse. Further to the north are the cliffs of St. Cyrus, home in the summer to a bustling colony of seabirds.
Neighbouring Ferryden is a picturesque former village situated on the south side of the river South Esk. It is separated by the river but linked by a bridge.
There is a popular Farmers Market held in the town on the first Saturday of every month attracting a variety of stallholders.
Lunan Bay
Lunan Bay is probably the finest beach in Angus - a magnificent sweep of sand, with a cave and arch at its northern end, and even a ruined castle. The beach is divided in two by the Lunan Water flowing out over the sands - dividing this walk into two halves, with a chance to visit the cafe part way through
Within an easy drive from Dun sits the historic town of Arbroath. Of course famous for its Arbroath Smokie's, The attractive old harbour of Arbroath remains in action and long sandy beaches and stunning sandstone cliffs stretch out on either side of the town. Arbroath abbey, located near the centre of the town, is also well worth a visit.
Fishing can be booked online via www.fishpal.co.uk just log in to the South Esk for availability and prices.
An abundance of golf courses and of course the famous course at Carnoustie within an easy drive makes House of Dun the perfect location for golf outings
Many coastal paths to be discovered along the Angus coast and a short drive to the Angus glens which include ten 'Munros' (mountains of over 3,000 feet), and miles of narrow twisting roads offer great delights and challenges for cyclists, drivers, hill walkers and nature lovers alike.
Arguably the most beautiful of the Angus Glens is Glen Clova (north of Kirriemuir). At the head of Glen Clova is Glen Doll, where ancient narrow roads and footpaths take you into the heart of Scotland's Cairngorm Mountains.
Getting there
House of Dun is 3 miles west of Montrose and 5 miles east of Brechin. From Aberdeen or Dundee (A90) take the turn-off for Brechin and follow the signs for Montrose.
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Don't skip it: Remix adds to original
Soulive: Turn It Out Remixed (Blue Note)
Only a very few live shows have had a meaningful impact on my life. I can count on one hand the ones I've seen in Charlottesville.
One group who consistently amazes when they roll through town is the Blue Note wünderband Soulive. Soulive has been Blue Note Records' number one selling non-catalogue act for two years running.
A trio consisting of drums, guitar, and Hammond organ, they have spread the gospel of funky hip-hop jazz to the masses by relentless touring. Their formula has been simple: Bring jazz to a new generation by incorporating elements of hip hop, funk, electronica, and soul.
With a great many eyes on them, Soulive took the opportunity to do something unique. The group revived their first album, Turn It Up (recorded on Velour Music), making calls to their favorite DJs, MCs, and producers to remix and collaborate on remixes for the album. That resulted in a highly innovative jazz record that crosses multiple boundaries without seeming contrived.
The depth of Turn It Out Remixed is two-tiered. By itself, the album is quite an enjoyable listen. Starting with the punch-line heavy writing of Wordsworth over a reworked Tabasco, and the moving to the inclusion of Chali 2na and Akil of Jurassic5 and Meshell Ndegeocello on Doin' Something, the album will grip you.
Epic remixes by DJ Spinna and DJ Krush follow the first two hip-hop flavored tracks with a bit more orchestrated feel. Unfortunately, after the DJ Krush track, the album loses momentum. Soulive drummer Alan Evans takes his only shot at the remix and misses the mark on S.O.U.L.I.V.E.
Goofy gangster rappers Beatnuts lyrically butcher a relatively decent remixed track of "Steppin." Luckily things peak immediately with appearances by songstress Ekene Nwokoye, producer Dub Fader, DJ Logic, and two tasteful tracks redone by Soulive guitarist Eric Krasno.
Although it's not necessary to have heard the original Turn It Out album, it does give a deeper understanding to the innovation present here on the remix version. Those who may be skeptical about the legitimacy of samplin may find themselves in awe comparing Soulive's original versions to what was eventually done to them by some of the most innovative cats in the game.
I don't think it's possible to beat the energy of Soulive in their live performances. That's something I suggest you don't miss. Despite its shortcomings, Turn It Out Remixed is also something that you should not pass over too quickly.


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Do we really need another book about financial planning? According to the CFP Board, we do—at least one by the Board.
Here's how CEO Kevin Keller described the Board's first foray into book publishing in a press briefing last March 28: "As part of the Board's mission, we need to be the authority on financial planning, and building an academic foundation is central to the creation of financial planning as a profession." To fill this void, Dr. Charles Chaffin, director of the Board's Academic Programs and Initiatives, spent the past couple of years working with a team of 21 other contributors to create "The CFP Board Financial Planning Competency Handbook."
The goal of this massive tome—which includes 85 chapters and 735 pages—is, according to Keller, to "serve as the comprehensive handbook for financial planners, those who are candidates for CFP certification, those involved in the industry, academics and, of course, journalists." (I'm not sure, but I think that last bit was a joke.) It's a worthy—if ambitious—goal, and its list of contributors includes leading luminaries among financial planning practitioners and academia. What's more, the handbook is uniquely structured to combine the theoretical side of financial planning with how those theories are applied and practiced in the real world. Still, older planners (and observers) will remember that the Board attempted a similar project back in the 1990s—practice standards for financial planners—that was abandoned after a backlash from CFPs who were fearful of the potential liability such standards might create and wonder now whether the Board might be repeating its history.
As I mentioned, the list of 22 contributors is impressive. The academics include: Dr. Thomas Warschauer, who is professor of finance emeritus atSan DiegoStateUniversity, a former member of the CFP Board of Examiners, and was the first president of theAcademyofFinancial Services. John Grable, Ph.D. is a former practicing financial planner, the founder and first program director of personal financial planning atKansasStateUniversity. He currently holds an endowed professorship at theUniversityofGeorgia, where he conducts research and teaches financial planning. Dr. Vickie Hampton is department chair and professor of personal financial planning atTexasTechUniversity.
Well-known advisor Deena Katz, Ph.D., is both an associate professor of financial planning atTexasTechUniversityand a founding partner at Evensky & Katz inCoral Gables,Fla.Also a leader in the financial planning profession, Elissa Buie, MBA, CFP, is both a practicing planner and a professor of financial planning atGolden GateUniversity. As the last chair of the ICFP, she was instrumental in the creation of—and the first chair of—the FPA, and is the current chair of the Foundation for Financial Planning. Her husband and partner, Dave Yeske,CFP,MA, DBA, is also a past president of the FPA, and is an associate professor atGolden GateUniversity. The CFP Board's Charles Chaffin, Ed.D., has overseen 340 Board-approved CFP education programs since 2010, and served as both editor of the handbook and a contributor.
One of the first things that strikes a reader of the handbook is its sheer heft. The second is its unusual structure. The first 77 of its 85 chapters focus on the financial planning topics that are required to meet the CFP education requirement (think retirement needs analysis, gifting strategies or standards of professional conduct), with each written by one or more of the contributors. According to Chaffin, "the book was designed to treat theory and practice […] as one entity, where content is defined but also applied, but within the learning environment and in practice."
To do that, each chapter outlines what practitioners should be able to do, relative to that topic, in each of three financial planning career stages. There are also vignettes in each chapter to "illustrate how each particular concept is applied or exists in practice."
For example, in chapter four, "Cash Flow Management," there are learning objectives for students such as "calculate cash savings required to meet financial goals." Then, there's a rather lengthy chart about what's supposed to go on in class relative to cash flow, followed by the professional practice capabilities for each of the three levels: entry-level, competent and expert. An "entry-level" planner can "explain the cash flow management process [and] identify opportunities and challenges related to a client's cash inflows and outflows," while an "expert personal financial planner can creatively and strategically identify financial and nonfinancial resources to use by clients in reaching financial goals."
Finally, there are two vignettes that illustrate cash flow issues. The publisher, Wiley & Sons, has practice questions for each chapter online, and planners can earn up to 28 CE credits for answering. A survey of the other chapters suggests more of the same and leaves one with the impression that, overall, the Board has indeed "moved the profession of financial planning forward by creating a universal body of knowledge for the disciple as a whole."
The last eight chapters are devoted to the "domains" that are part of the CFP requirement. They include things like "Establishing and Defining the Client-Planner Relationship," "Analyzing and Evaluating the Client's Current Financial Status" and "Communicating Financial Planning Recommendations." This is the part of the handbook that achieves Dr. Chaffin's goal of illustrating how financial planning theory exists within practice.
Chapter 83, "Implementing the Financial Planning Recommendations," provides some insight into how this works. This is a real "how to" manual, with a detailed real-world outline that includes identifying activities necessary for implementation; determining division of activities between the practitioner and the client; referring to other professionals; coordinating with other professionals; sharing information as authorized; selecting and securing products or services.
Next comes a case study about a married couple in need of financial planning and other services their planner doesn't provide. The authors neatly set out their purpose this way: "If a financial planner works with clients to produce financial recommendations aimed at meeting financial goals and the recommendations are never implemented, has anything really been accomplished?"
They then lay out the techniques for implementing the financial plan including the dependence on a planner's business model, the scope of the engagement and the possible limitations of a brokerage account. The chapter includes a 25-step sample action plan for implementing the couple's financial plan followed by an 11-step process for use in executing the action plan. It is indeed a real-world example of how planners should turn their recommendations into reality.
The other chapters in Part Two appear, at least to my non-financial planner eye, to offer equally helpful guidelines and solutions to most of the issues that many practitioners face. Yet, I can't help but wonder how many of the 67,000 or so CFPs use similar solutions to these common topics. When asked, Keller stated that the Board had not put the contents of the handbook out for comment by anyone other than the contributors, but he liked the idea, saying that the Board would create a place on their website for CFPs to post comments about the book.
The question of consistency between planning practices is more than academic. While Keller was adamant that the handbook was not intended to create practice standards, that doesn't mean it couldn't be construed that way. To get a more learned view about the implications for a competency handbook, I talked to Dan Berstein, who is a compliance attorney at MarketCounsel, a compliance consulting firm for independent advisors, inEnglewood,N.J.
Although he hadn't yet seen the book, Berstein voiced both support for it, as well as some concerns for the idea of a handbook and its publication by the CFP Board of Standards: "A profession needs someone to put a flag down with some standards, but by doing so, you have to understand you are taking a risk. If a court or regulator rules that a CFP is holding his or herself out to adhere to the Board's standards, those could include the principles and practices spelled out in the Board's new book, which might become a de facto reasonableness test."
Bernstein voiced some concern for the title: "I also don't like the name 'Competency,'" he said. "It implies this is the only way to be competent. If I were advising a client, I'd tell them they were taking a risk to deviate substantially from the practices set out in such a handbook. If they were going to do things differently, they'd need to show their way is reasonable and in the client's interest. It would also help if other advisors were giving similar advice."
The "CFP Board Financial Planning Competency Handbook" is an impressive work, compiled by leading academics and practitioners in the profession. It undoubtedly will achieve its goal of advancing the knowledge base of the planning profession. Part of that process will be CFPs comparing the contents to how they practice financial planning.


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Snap o' the day: Government giveaway
Commonwealth's Attorney Dave Chapman and Deputy CA Claude Worrell man a different kind of prosecutor's table on Government Services Day, when city departments set up tables on the Downtown Mall and give away candy, pens and refrigerator magnets. The event runs from 10am to 2pm Friday.
More Snaps
5 comments
So is a "government services" day where they take some on my money, buy trinkets and give them to me to make me happy so that I dpn.t notice they are taking my money?
Sorry.. that was too easy....
Maybe you're right, G. Instead of saying "finally they've found a job Claude Worrell can do competently", which perhaps was taken as a personal attack? I should have pointed out how his free time would have been better spent sitting in on a criminal procedure class instead, after scr@wing the pooch in the Beebe case, the McGowan tragedy, then strong-arming a plea from some frat boys playing a prank by threatening to prosecute them for kidnapping. pathetic.
****, what evidence do you have that he even did that competently?
My comments posted here earlier today seem to have disappeared? Can an admin explain why? If not I will no longer contribute to this site and encourage others not to as well.
That's weird!!!
I guess you have to be real careful how you word remarks in public. You would probably have been safe in saying Worrell is certainly not the best assistant commonwealth's attorney you've ever had the occasion to see in action, "in your opinion". And I would have to agree with that as well.
In one case I am very familar with, he forgot to make sure the cops had gotten the "evidence" back from the state lab in time for the preliminary hearing. The judge therefore couldn't even view this evidence. And the expert witnesses brought into court by the defense team couldn't competently testify with the evidence not being present as well.
This was also the case where the judge stated in open court, while still on record, that the testimony from some cops was so "diametrically opposed" to the testimony of other cops that he couldn't even begin to convict the defendant. It's in a transcript I have here on my desk somewhere. In other words, the judge was calling half the cops liars to their face. And he was correct! This was just one of several cases where I sat in court and watched cops intentionally and willfully commit perjury.
Which brings us to another point of discussion -- even Jim Camblos knew which cops to keep out of a witness box if he wanted to win a case.


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Your participation in the census is essential for accurate political representation on both the State and Federal level
Take the Census Today at 2020census.gov!
Or by phone at 1-844-330-2020
Sardis Branch Library, Sept. 3, 2021 4:00PM-Sept. 3, 2021 5:00PM
Join us the Sardis Public Library for a free storytime event. Create crafts, sing songs and learn educational topics.


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Milo Lantern | T-Shirt
Incl. VAT, Excluding Shipping
More Information
One time only print run. Only 100 made in the EU. Glow in the dark print. Shipping around 24th of October. Due to the limitation of this item we can't guarantee replacements in case of any return reasons.
- Color: Black
- Manufacturer: Gildan
- Article: Softstyle
- Print: 1-sided+Neck Label
- Fabric Content: 100% Cotton
- Gender: Male


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On September 25 of this year I took on my biggest cooking challenge ever, so big that I lay awake for three nights wondering if I could pull it off as well as I thought I could or if I would sink like the Titanic. The good news is, it was a huge success and cooking for 1500 was not as daunting as it sounds.
The South King County Latino Health and Safety Fair is an annual event held in Auburn to provide resources, health screenings, and connections to the Latino Community. Last year they had around 1250 people attend and the food was a plated lunch. The line for food was a writhing serpent that wrapped around the gym (at Grace Community Church) and interfered with the flow of everything else. This year, my friend who was on the planning committee suggested that I write up a proposal for doing the food, and I thought it was a great way to get even more involved in my community.
I proposed doing multiple healthy food samples spaced throughout the room, along with copies of the recipe and tips on making it more affordable. The committee loved it and so preparation began. We weren't sure how many people would be there, it could be more or less than the previous year, so the number 1500 was thrown out there and that's what I planned for.
Now, I've helped cook for large numbers before, but NEVER 1500. I put the word out on Facebook that I was looking for volunteers, as well as asking some students we work with. Counting Eric and I, our team was 8 strong. That Thursday I spent 9 hours shopping for food! I cleaned out several of Sam's Clubs shelves and also went to Cash and Carry and Safeway. Did you know Cash and Carry has a gallon of balsamic vinegar for only $14? I did a happy dance for the money saving on that item!
Friday was prep and three of us worked 12 hours that day. A couple other volunteers showed up when they could get away from work or school. We used fresh tomatoes for both the bruschetta and the white bean and tomato salad. By the end of the day Kailee and Eric were seriously pros at tomato cutting! Cynthia went to town on the onion chopping for taco soup, and somehow never started crying from them like the rest of us.
Oh, and Eric discovered that cute little onion which I dubbed "the alien".
Tran did a great job mixing up the cheese spread for the bruschetta (recipe is below!) and I got started on slicing bread and making 50 gallons of taco soup. On Saturday morning we showed up bright and early to start heating the soup and assemble the bruschetta. I must admit that all the planning put quite a stretch on my math skills, but we ended up with plenty of food and, because there weren't actually 1500 people that day, had enough to share with other ministries and groups who needed a meal to serve.
There were a lot of great stories from the fair. One woman was so excited about the idea of free cooking classes (I had fliers at each booth) that she ran all over the fair exhibits, like mouse running frantically through a maze, to find me and ask for more details. Another woman had never heard of bruschetta before; she loved it so much that by her 8th piece she made me sit down and walk her through the recipe step by step to make sure she could make it at home.
I had several non-profit organizations connect with me about offering cooking classes to the populations they serve as well. I'm always looking for new opportunities to help out, so that is pretty exciting!
I would have to say that the bruschetta booth was probably the most popular. It's hard to go wrong with toasted bread, creamy tangy cheese, and balsamic and garlic tomatoes in Italian seasoning!
Even making 1500 of them was not as difficult as I anticipated. It's a pretty simple recipe that's great for a party appetizer or a light dinner. The recipe below is for serving at a party, it makes 40 pieces. You can DEFINITELY cut the recipe down. I make this all the time for Eric and I for a dinner appetizer. I plan on three pieces per person that way.
I'd suggest just making the full amount of cheese spread though. Even if you end up with more than you need, put it in a baggie in the fridge. The next day you can melt it in a pot with some milk and it makes a great cheese sauce for pasta. Hooray for re-purposing leftovers!!!
Bruschettamakes 30-40
1 French baguette sliced into ¼ inch thick rounds
1/4 cup olive oil
Cheese spread:
3/4 cup cream cheese
1 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/8 tsp fresh ground pepper
Marinated Tomatoes:
2 tomatoes, cored and finely chopped
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp dried Italian Seasoning
3 TBS olive oil
1 clove garlic chopped
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush the top of each slice of bread with a little olive oil. Spread slices onto one or two cookie sheets (in a single layer) and toast in the oven about 7-10 minutes, until just golden and crispy.
While bread is toasting, mix cream cheese, feta, lemon juice and pepper until creamy. In another bowl mix tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, the 3 TBS olive oil and chopped garlic.
When bread is ready spread each slice with a spoonful of the cheese spread and top with a spoonful of marinated tomatoes.
Approximate cost/serving: This is such a cheap dish! I can get 2 baguettes for $2 at Sam's Club (If the other one goes stale I use it for bread crumbs, bread salad, or bread pudding). I also get the cheeses in bulk there. Making the full batch only costs me $3.50. That means just 9-12 cents each. Even if people eat 2-3 it's still incredibly affordable.
Vegtarian/Gluten Free: Yes to vegetarian, and you could make this on gluten free bread or crackers.
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Nutritional and cost information is for estimating purposes only, and subject to variations due to region, seasonality, and product availability.


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About Us
Transition 101
Transition Towns
Knowledge Hub
During the month of May, thousands of people across the US took action to enhance local food systems, conserve energy and water, and build community resilience.
This May, we collectively registered 6,942 actions in communities across the country! Folks picked up their shovels and tools, helped construct rainwater harvesting systems, and installed solar panels. Abandoned lots were converted into green oases and school children pulled weeds and planted tomato starts.
Click here to read more about the 2013 Challenge Results.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2013 Transition Challenge!
Action Ideas:
- Food
- Water
- Energy
In 2010 a handful of community leaders in Sonoma County, CA demonstrated their collective genius. Inspired by the Grow Food Party Crew 100 Garden Challenge, the Gardens of Gratitude 100 Garden Challenge and the action-based programs of 350.org, the Sonoma County Daily Acts team garnered the support and cooperation of cities, local businesses, and governmental agencies as well as arranged for workshops, volunteer-led community projects, material donations, and numerous discounts. In the end they far exceeded their goal with 628 registered actions! Thank you all for your inspiration and help in Transition US taking this challenge national. Only together can we bring about the awareness and change we want to see in the world.
Thank you to our wonderful media partners that helped spread the word about the Challenge!